Moon Children

TRANSGRESSIONS (2)

Darci’s POV 

Groggily, I peel the covers off of me, and sat up to stretch. I’m feeling quite a bit better after my nap. I grab my phone off the nightstand and activate the lock screen, seeing a few missed texts. 2 from Jason, a guy in our pack that I’d happened to become good friends with at school. We just graduated a few months ago and he’s actually planning on going to college to explore life outside of the pack for a while. While this wasn’t common, it was permitted, and I was so happy to see him pursuing his goals. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss him. I didn’t think we would end up being mates, but I definitely have a small crush on him. His confidence is attractive, and he has a good head on his shoulders. His stability is what I found most intriguing. I’d never been a stable person. 

-I’m leaving next week. I’d love to see you before I go. ? - Jason 

I smile down at my screen. 

-Love to! You still coming to my party tomorrow night? - Dar 

-Wouldn’t miss it. See ya then ? - Jason 

? - Dar 

I scroll through the rest of my texts. 2 from Clara, 6 from Maria, 1 from Luc. All of them want to see me, and know if I’m alright. I’ll get to the girls later, and I’ll see Luca soon anyway. I glance at the time and notice it's 6:30. Ugh, I’m late for dinner. Dad hates that. Hopefully he’ll make an exception but I doubt it. I changed into some comfortable grey colored cotton shorts and a plain white t-shirt, and begrudgingly made my way downstairs. 

Mom made a fan favorite – her special chili. Easy, tastes great, and all the kids don’t fight her on it. I grin, knowing it’s filled with venison – one of my personal favorites. I LOVE meat, must be a wolf thing. When I sat down, I noticed that not only Luca was missing, but my father too. 

Puzzled, I looked to my mother for an answer. She looks stressed, more than the usual caring for 6 kids stressed. Her posture is slouched, her normally beautifully curled brown hair is a frizzy mess. Cheyanne, my brother Luca’s mate, sat beside my mother equally as quiet. Cheyanne lives in our house with Luca until he takes over the Beta position and they move to the Alpha and Beta family’s wing. 

“Mama, where is everyone...?” I asked, semi-nervous. 

“Your father is still engaged in his... intel gathering. Your brother ran off with Ezra. Gretchen went back to the main house to strategize with the Alpha about the threat to the territory.” She addressed me coolly, but I sensed she was still holding back. What is with everyone not telling me what’s going on lately? 

“I know they‘re here for me Mom. I don’t want you to worry about it, I can handle myself and I’ll be careful when I‘m out. Alpha Chad will locate the threat and destroy it, he always does.” I said a bit too chipper. 

Harvey stared down at his food quietly, not engaging in the conversation. Cheyanne looked at me with an unreadable face. Gray and Eve were making silly faces at each other, while Stella listened intently as she sat next to me.  

Harvey looked up and bore his stare at our mother. He looks hurt, confused, and angry. Now I was the one confused.  

“Sis, don’t worry about it. I won’t let anything happen to you. Neither will Luca, Dad, or the future Alpha.” His eyes never leaving our mother’s. She practically chokes on her food as her eyes widen and she immediately puts her head down. 

“I’m sorry, what does Ezra have to do with this? He’s not even the Alpha.” I stated, annoyed. 

Harvey smirked at me. “Not yet.” 

“Anyway, are you going shopping with the twins in the morning for your birthday dress? I’ll need you off the grounds for some time while I get everything prepared and set out in the main yard.” My mother rushed to intervene. 

“Uh-uhm, yeah last I planned. I’ll text them after dinner to see what time we’ll leave tomorrow.” I replied half-heartedly. I wasn’t exactly excited for tomorrow. I was praying to meet my mate, but I worried he wouldn’t be in our pack and I’d be left disappointed. Having a mate was something I secretly hoped for, every day. I put on a brave façade as the Delta’s daughter, but deep down, I’d always longed for someone to cherish me the way a mate is supposed to. 

“Perfect. Your party starts at 6. You’ll walk down the grand staircase for your entrance and then immediately proceed to lead everyone outside, so we’ll have an hour or so of light for conversing and eating before the dance floor breaks out!” Lora exclaims. 

“Can’t wait.” I sarcastically reply, rolling my eyes. 

I focus instead on Stella, still watching me intently. 

“What’s going on in that big beautiful brain of yours?” I ask. 

“I think tomorrow when you turn into a big adult, you might leave us. Are you gonna leave us sissy?” She replies to me, eyes full of concern. 

“Aw, Stella. I can’t say when I’ll leave the house, or if I'll leave the pack. It depends when I meet my mate, where he lives, and all that. But don’t worry, when I do, I’ll come visit every chance I get. I won’t ever leave you for long. I love you to the Moons and back!” I cup her little cheek in my hand, sensing she is somewhat more at ease. 

“Alright, this birthday girl is getting some relaxation time before Mom goes absolutely wild tomorrow. Who needs jammies and bath-time before I go?” Eve squeals excitedly, she loves bath time. Looking at her covered in sauce and beans with chunks of venison hanging from her curls – she could definitely use it. My mom looks at me gratefully and I know she appreciates it. She can focus on cleaning up while I get Eve off to bed. I pick my messy 4-year-old sister out of her highchair and head straight for her bedroom, the first room on the left. Her room is adorned with unicorns, purple, and sparkles. Typical for a little girl I suppose. I drew her bath water, adding some apple-scented bubbles. After stripping her of her chili covered dress, I plop her in the tub and hand her a ducky, making quick work of her curly hair. Once I’m done washing her, I pull her out of the tub and wrap her in a unicorn hooded bath towel and set her down. I pull the toothpaste from the drawer and get her tooth brush ready. While she brushes her teeth, I take a wide-tooth comb and work all the knots from her hair. We take a moment to lotion her arms and legs with lavender too. After finishing up her night routine, I put her in a cute footie pajama set covered in rainbows. I tucked her into bed, turning on her favorite movie about the girl with a secret pet unicorn.  

After getting Eve settled in, I feel slightly accomplished and head to my own room. I shut my door and open my windows, feeling the cool autumn breeze through the light rain tonight. I go to my bathroom and start my circle shaped tub, adding my favorite cinnamon bun scented bubble bath to it. I walk into my closet and pull out a thin, silky, royal blue night gown. I knew no one could see my ”sexy” night gowns, but the silk was SO comfortable to sleep in. I waltz back out to my bedroom, turning the speaker on and connecting it to my phone for some music while I relax in the tub. The stereo started playing a song that I adore, titled

“Remembering Sunday”. I longed for someone to feel this way for me. As I turn around to head towards the bathroom, I catch a scent. No, two scents. One is the strong smell or caramel, which I know is Luca. He must be outside, but I know the other scent too. Not as well, but the mix of burning wood and lemon was very unique. Ezra. 

I tiptoe closer to the balcony, seeing them standing in human form by the woods. I’m a bit curious if Luca knows what was up with Ezra. Neither have shirts or shoes on, telling me they were on a run like mom had told me. 

“I just can’t believe you didn’t tell me. I get it now, but I’m still hurt. I think I deserved to know more than anybody man.” Luc states sadly. 

“Everybody thought they deserved to know, but the truth is it would’ve done more harm than good. You can’t even begin to imagine how I’m feeling right now. I’ve done so much s**t I can’t take back, and now I’ve got to face it all. My head is spinning from all the stress!” Ezra whisper-screams at my brother, holding his head between his hands, looking so pained. Hm, wonder what he did. 

Suddenly the stereo shifts to the next song on auto-play, oh so conveniently being some obnoxiously loud party jam called “Shots”. I ducked down quickly, praying they didn’t see me watching. I shuffled through songs until I found a good one and hit play. I snuck over to my bathroom, ripped my clothes off, and shimmied myself into water. I took a deep breath and tried to relax. 

You’ve been quiet today Vyra. What’s up? 

I’ve just been watching, listening. It’s been a long couple of days, that mercury really wore me out. 

Sorry about that love, I had no idea that rogue was playing dirty. 

It just makes me worry for you. We’ll figure it out I know, but I won’t feel better until whoever initiated the attack on us and our pack is dead. 

Me too. For now, let’s focus on getting through tomorrow Vy, it’ll be another long day. 

 I pulled myself out of the tub, instantly regretting it. The air coming from the windows of my room felt cold in contrast with my hot skin. Hastily grabbing my towel, I dry myself and throw on my silky nightie. I half-ran to my bed and slipped under the covers as fast as possible. I linked Clara and Maria, telling them I was fine and that they needed to be at my house by 10 AM. A quiet tune came on the speaker and eventually, I drifted away into a shallow sleep, secretly worried about the attack on my pack lands.